Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Madhusudan, popularly known as Mad Sandhu, was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants in Amritsar on Saturday evening. Sandhu had reportedly been receiving death threats for the past few days over his social media content, including his clothing and mannerisms.

The attack took place around 6 pm in the Loharka Road area under the Cantonment police station. According to eyewitnesses, Sandhu had stepped out onto the road near his residence in Dream City Colony when two men on a motorcycle, who were allegedly waiting in ambush, opened fire at him.

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Sandhu sustained multiple gunshot wounds and collapsed on the road. People at the spot, with the help of police, rushed him to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The assailants fled from the spot on their motorcycle immediately after the shooting. Police launched a search operation and blocked roads across the city, but the suspects could not be traced immediately. An investigation is underway.

Police Find Clues In Shooting

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Vennila, who reached the scene, said the firing took place around 6 pm on Loharka Road. Police have reportedly found several clues linked to the attackers and are examining them as part of the investigation.

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Police are also looking into reports that Sandhu had been receiving threats from people objecting to his social media content. Some alleged extremists had reportedly threatened him over what they described as objectionable or “vulgar” content.

Who Was Mad Sandhu?

Sandhu was one of the prominent LGBTQ+ personalities in the region and was known for speaking openly about makeup, gender and social issues. He frequently appeared on podcasts and discussed the film industry, makeup and LGBTQ+ acceptance.

He had built a large following through Instagram reels and viral videos, where he shared makeup, fashion and lifestyle content. Sandhu had also worked as a stylist and assistant costume designer in the fashion and film industry in Punjab and Mumbai.

He appeared in a few Punjabi films, including the Oye Bhole Oye series.

Sandhu frequently faced anti-gay trolling on social media but remained open about his sexuality. He had previously responded to criticism by saying, “God has made me the way I am.”

Sandhu Lived With Mother, Brother

Sandhu was living in a rented house in Dream City Colony, where his elderly mother and brother also reside. He reportedly earned a living through his salon business and social media work.

Police are now examining his recent activities, the threats he allegedly received, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting to establish the motive and identify the attackers.

Keshav Suri Foundation Seeks Investigation

Keshav Suri Foundation, an NGO which works for the welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community, said in a statement, "Another queer life has been lost. Mad Sandhu, aka Madhusudhan Sandhu, a queer creator from Amritsar, is dead. And once again, we are expected to grieve, post a few words, and move on. We will not."

"We are angry. We are tired of watching queer people pay the price for simply being visible, for expressing themselves, for existing openly. When queer people are labelled, vilified, and targeted, and that hate is allowed to grow unchecked, this is what happens. Our lives become expendable. Our deaths become headlines. And then the world moves on," the statement added.

"This cannot be another death we mourn and forget. We demand a transparent, time-bound investigation into Mad’s death and accountability for those responsible. We demand action against the hate and harassment that continue to target queer persons. And we demand that our safety and dignity be treated as rights, not concessions."

"To everyone who has stood on the streets demanding justice for others: stand with queer persons now. Don't just send condolences. Raise your voice. Demand action. Queer persons are not disposable. We are not a threat. We will not be erased. Mad deserves justice. Queer persons deserve safety. And we deserve the right to live openly, freely, and with dignity. Enough. This has to stop," it added.


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